Fire prevention

Photograph of an old building from the Tom Higgins Ranch being razed by fire in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Creation Date

1962

The “Annual Report of the Fire Proof Fire Insurance Co.” is being reviewed by the directors. Vignettes show the manager of a company taking remedial measures to fireproof his establishment, only to find that his premiums have doubled.

comments and context

Comments and Context

The extent to which seemingly every entity in the United States was coming under the umbrella of a “trust” organization, or monopoly of services and control of rates, is illustrated by this cartoon. Ehrhart’s larger point, however, is that fire-insurances companies were becoming rackets. The insured were obliged to add protections, whose costs were onerous; and then premiums were raised as such capital investments rose.

Edward R. Morawetz invites Theodore Roosevelt to attend an open fair in Roosevelt, Long Island. The fair is for the benefit of the Roosevelt Hose Co. 1 for purchasing needed fire prevention equipment for the rapidly growing village named after Roosevelt. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-28

In response to the New York State Capitol fire, C. R. Curtis Gostling presents fire-proofing insulation for buildings. He asks Theodore Roosevelt to meet him in New York City to discuss it and connect him with those responsible for rebuilding the capitol or any other interested parties.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04-08

Fred Patee submits a sample of a fire proof wall plaster to George Otis Smith, Director of the United States Geological Survey, for his consideration. Given the large number of fires that have happened recently, Patee feels that the plaster, which contains a significant amount of the non-conductive material asbestos, could help save many lives.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-03-27

Creator(s)

Patee, Fred, 1860-1937

Alfred R. Conkling invites Theodore Roosevelt to speak at a subscription dinner that will be hosted by the New York City Realty League on February 28. Roosevelt is welcome to speak on any matter that is of interest to the taxpayers. Conkling lists issues such as the potential annexation of Westchester County as a sixth borough, the Catskill aqueduct, and the hours that city offices should be open. Conkling is against a proposed bill in the State Assembly that would make building owners responsible for fire safety measures.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-02-07